Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for game day or a cozy family dinner, look no further than Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread. This recipe combines the savory flavors of chicken, crispy bacon, and zesty ranch seasoning, all stuffed into a delicious bread shell. It’s easy to make, and the result is a warm, cheesy, and satisfying meal that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Flavor Packed: The combination of chicken, bacon, and ranch dressing creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist. It’s a comforting blend that brings together the best of both worlds: savory and creamy.
  • Versatile: This dish can be served as an appetizer, main course, or even a fun snack. It’s great for parties, picnics, or just a casual family night.
  • Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly and doesn’t require any special cooking skills.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread, gather the following ingredients:

  • 1 loaf of bread (French or Italian works well)
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: chopped green onions or parsley for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s hot enough to bake the bread to perfection.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, ranch dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, and half of the shredded cheese. Mix until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Hollow Out the Bread

Take your loaf of bread and carefully hollow it out using a serrated knife. Make sure to leave enough bread on the sides and bottom to hold the filling without leaking.

Step 4: Stuff the Bread

Fill the hollowed-out bread with the chicken, bacon, and ranch mixture. Press it down slightly to fit as much filling as possible. Top the stuffed bread with the remaining shredded cheese.

Step 5: Bake

Wrap the stuffed bread in aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the bread is golden and the cheese has melted. For a crispy top, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once out of the oven, let the stuffed bread cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm, garnished with chopped green onions or parsley if desired.

Tips for the Perfect Stuffed Bread

  • Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe is a great way to use leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand.
  • Customize the Filling: Feel free to add other ingredients like diced bell peppers, jalapeños for heat, or even cream cheese for extra creaminess.
  • Make it Ahead: You can prepare the filling ahead of time and assemble the bread just before baking. This is a great time-saver for parties.
See also  Parmesan Meatloaf

Conclusion

Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread is a delicious and hearty dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your home. Its savory filling and cheesy goodness make it a perfect option for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or just enjoying a family meal, this stuffed bread is sure to impress. Give it a try, and enjoy the delightful flavors of chicken, bacon, and ranch in every bite!

Serving and Storage Tips for Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread

Serving Suggestions

  1. Pair with Dips: Serve your Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread with a variety of dips. Ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, or a creamy garlic dip complement the flavors beautifully.
  2. Add a Side Salad: Balance the richness of the stuffed bread with a light side salad. A simple green salad or a coleslaw can provide a refreshing contrast.
  3. Garnish: Enhance the presentation by garnishing with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives. This adds a pop of color and freshness.
  4. Cut into Portions: Slice the stuffed bread into individual servings for easy handling. This makes it perfect for parties or casual gatherings.
  5. Serve Warm: This dish is best enjoyed warm right out of the oven. Consider reheating if it has cooled down, as the cheese and filling are most enjoyable when gooey and warm.

Storage Tips

  1. Refrigeration: Store leftover stuffed bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for 3 to 4 days.
  2. Freezing: If you want to extend the shelf life, you can freeze the stuffed bread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  3. Reheating: To reheat, thaw any frozen bread in the refrigerator overnight. Then, warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual slices, but for the best texture, the oven is preferred.
  4. Avoid Soggy Bread: If you plan to store it, consider not adding extra moisture (like excess ranch dressing) to the filling to prevent the bread from becoming soggy during storage.
  5. Portion Control: If you know you’ll have leftovers, consider slicing the bread into individual servings before storing. This makes it easy to grab a portion and reheat as needed.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread remains delicious and enjoyable even after the initial meal!

FAQ 1: Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Answer: Yes, using pre-cooked chicken is a great time-saver! You can use leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand. Just shred or dice it before mixing it with the other ingredients.


FAQ 2: How can I customize the filling for my stuffed bread?

Answer: There are many ways to customize the filling! You can add ingredients like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or jalapeños for extra flavor and texture. Additionally, consider mixing in different cheeses such as pepper jack for a spicy kick or cream cheese for added creaminess.

See also  Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

FAQ 3: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Answer: Yes, you can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the bread. This is a great way to save time if you’re hosting a party. Just fill the bread and bake it when you’re ready to serve.


FAQ 4: What can I serve with Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread?

Answer: This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a fresh green salad, coleslaw, or a variety of dips like ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, or marinara. It’s a versatile dish that complements many accompaniments!

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Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread

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This Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread is a deliciously savory pull-apart loaf filled with creamy ranch-seasoned chicken, crispy bacon, and gooey melted cheese. Perfect for sharing, it’s a crowd-pleaser for game days, parties, or family dinners!

  • Author: Stephanie
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 68 servings 1x
  • Category: Appetizer, Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large French bread loaf or Italian bread
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (about 45 strips)
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  • Prepare the Bread:

    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
    • Slice the top off the bread loaf and hollow out the center, creating a bread “boat.” Set aside the removed bread to use as breadcrumbs or discard.
  • Make the Filling:

    • In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, ranch dressing, shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped green onions. Stir until well combined.
  • Fill the Bread:

    • Spoon the chicken mixture into the hollowed-out bread loaf, pressing down gently to fill it evenly.
  • Add the Garlic Butter:

    • In a small bowl, mix the melted butter and garlic powder. Brush the garlic butter over the top and edges of the bread loaf.
  • Bake:

    • Place the stuffed bread on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden and crispy.
  • Serve:

    • Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired. Slice into pieces and serve warm.

Notes

  • Add veggies: Mix in chopped bell peppers or spinach for extra flavor.
  • Make it spicy: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the filling.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

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